Search
Register
Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 186.37996%

Vintage Slingerland Wmp Bongos Last viewed: 4 hours ago

Posts: 3165 Threads: 969

I've got a set of vintage WMP Slingerland Bongos that were included with a vintage 1940s (Slingerland Aluminum Cloud Badge) Radio King Kit that I purchased some time ago.

There's obviously no badge on the bongos, but I'm trying to determine whether they're Radio King bongos (if there actually was such a thing) or simply vintage Slingerland bongos.

I'll be asking the Web Master to post a few pics of the set so that you can get an idea of what they look like.

The drums measure 6 x 10 and 8 x 10. The smaller drum has four small beavertail lugs (#564?) mounted on the shell, while the larger drum's got five.

The WMP wrap as well as all the hardware appear to be original, including the Slingerland washers on the interior of the shells, which are engraved with SLINGERLAND CHICAGO.

Any "words of wisdom" on this pair would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to properly identify them, as well as find out if they're somewhat rare and what they might be worth.

I did notice that in ROB COOK's "The Slingerland Book", there's a picture of some "Slingerland Deep Hand Bongos" which appear identical to what I've got but the lugs are different -- thus my original question regarding the possibility of "Radio King" bongos.

THANKS in advance for any "words of wisdom" that you might be able to provide.Help2

1 attachment
Slingerland-Bongos.jpg
53.5 kB
Posted on 17 years ago
#1
Posts: 3268 Threads: 715

These are the Deep Hand Bongos and pictured in the 50, 51 and the 55 catalog are the same bongos you have with the same lugs..

I think in the condition yours are in and being WMP make them hard to find.

I have the same set in Capri Pearl.

David

Posted on 17 years ago
#2
Posts: 3165 Threads: 969

David:

Appreciate your input and the information provided.

Posted on 17 years ago
#3
Posts: 51 Threads: 0

Wow, if that's the original WMP, then it's the most un-yellowed I've ever seen.

:::Ryan B
Posted on 17 years ago
#4
Posts: 3165 Threads: 969

blue-rippler:

I can assure you that it's the original WMP. The picture makes the wrap appear whiter than it actually is. There are also a few extremely minor "yellowing" areas on the bongos. Over-all, however, I believe that they're in great shape for as old as they are.

Posted on 17 years ago
#5
Posts: 3268 Threads: 715

The set I have is also in excellent shape. My guess is the call for a sitting bongo player was not the most popular gig of the time. Laughing H

The depth of these are so that a sitting player can hold them between his legs and play them.

David

Posted on 17 years ago
#6
Posts: 1 Threads: 0

I have recently been trying to research a pair of bongos I've had since the '80's - similar to these, but half as deep, and painted white over maple veneer instead of wrapped. I had never seen any like them, though they were obviously fitted with vintage Radio King beavertails. Before I acquired them, someone had (IMHO) intelligently removed the block holder which joined them and instead put slide-on tom or conga style mounts...Ludwig maybe?. Anyway, they've been a welcome part of my extra percussion gear, but I've been stymied re their date and manufacturing info. Any more out there?

thanks,

Posted on 14 years ago
#7
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action
Something else here